Excel-Jet seeks justice
By AOPA ePublishing
Excel-Jet has filed a lawsuit against the FAA in an effort to clear its prototype airplane as well as its test pilots of any fault regarding a 2006 crash.
The NTSB determined that the Sport-Jet rolled violently right after takeoff and crashed for an "undetermined reason" in Colorado Springs, Colo. Both pilots walked away. While a good portion of the jet was substantially damaged, company officials said the roll-cage-style fuselage protected the crew.
The NTSB looked into wake turbulence but ruled it out. Excel-Jet is claiming that air traffic control violated separation rules when it cleared the jet for takeoff behind a de Havilland Dash 8. Excel-Jet has had experts conduct analysis and still suspects wake turbulence.
October 18, 2007
